I am sure a lot of you were wondering what my life was like in Vietnam. There was not a lot I could say or post while I was there, because Vietnam is a closed country. But now, here we are in Cambodia. So let me tell you a little bit about my life back in Nam!
We were working in a cafe where our ministry was hanging out with college students, and teaching English. But there were certain things we could not do. Like mention the name Jesus, ministry, or missionary. So…I was a, “tourist,” or a, “volunteer.”
For the month of Vietnam, we also had a team change. Going from a team of half guys and half girls, to an all girls team.
Vietnam was a different kind of month. In my heart I felt very disconnected from myself. But I knew the Lord was working, I just was not sure what was happening in my heart. But working with the students was so much fun! It was so great talking to them, hearing their dreams, goals, visions, and culture. Vietnam was a month about connecting with people, and seeking creative ways to talk to people without asking them if they know Jesus.
The students we met were so awesome! And so generous and kind. I felt so…loved and appreciated for who I am. As Ariana. Sometimes, traveling and going to some many different countries, it is easy to feel a little taken advantage of. Being an American, and the assumption to have lots of money. Or being a Christian, sometimes there is that expectation that we are a lot farther a long in our walk then what people think.
People sometimes forget to learn about you as an individual. I have learned a lot from these experiences.
But the students we met in Vietnam, we were so blessed, and so loved. They took us to try so many new things, and were so patient and kind with our questions about their culture. Teaching English was a lot of fun as well! Kelly, my teammate and I taught a class together Monday and Friday’s, and then at night time from 7-10 P.M. the whole team would be in the coffee shop hanging out with the students.
It was not just a month of meeting new people, but a month of making new friends.
And now, here we are in Camoboda. In Vietnam there was another team change, and now I am on a team with seven new girls.
This month our ministry is working with a hostel owned by Adventure in Missions, and we help run the hostel. Deep cleaning, painting, running the front desk, etc. some of my new teammates are interested in hospitality, and what it looks like being a missinary and working in hospitality. Such an awesome opportunity!
I still can’t believe it is month 5 of the World Race. There has already been so much growth and so much change. I am so excited to see what else the Lord in store.
Thank you all for your grace, there was not a lot I could post in Vietnam with it being a closed country. And the same will go for Malaysia. But as far as Cambodia goes, I can talk about Jesus as much as I want, which is such a relief.
Being on a new team is good. There have been so many team changes in my team personally, that it is nice to look forward to some consistency.
I was on a team with Vivian and Jackie for four months. And now they are squad leaders. I am so happy and excited for them! They are going to make amazing squad leaders. I definitely cried saying goodbye to them at the bus stop, but I had peace knowing this was His will.
People sometimes have expectations without realizing it. I know I did. But the World Race has been a time of laying down expectations and choosing to trust and lean into His wisdom and understanding.
Every day is a choice to press into the Lord, and what He has. Shining his light in big ways through prayer, and walking in our giftings, but also in the little things!
Smiling at the lady who sold me pineapples for less than fifty cents, being kind to the lady at our hotel even when she would force me to wash my hands before going into the hotel room. Sharing food with a team of seven girls, and doing it willingly. It’s the little things that make up my day.
Honestly life on the race is a lot like life at home, but at ministry. But ministry is not. 9-5 job. It is a lifestyle. I learned this in Vietnam, because being prohibited to talk about Jesus, or use words like, “missionary,” or “ministry.” You learn that loving people where they are at, and shining Christ is just life.
I am so grateful for my time here, and how I am going to be able to apply what I am learning to the rest of my life. Thank you all for reading and supporting me through words of encouragement and through prayer.
